Theresa: I read in an article about you that you started designing after stitching many reproduction style samplers. Do you get any time to still work on these? What attracts you to these samplers?

Linda: I LOVE samplers, but haven't finished a single one since I started designing. Not long ago, I put away three that were in progress when I began. I continue to "collect" charts for future stitching, of course! I think what attracts me to them is that they are like children's artwork - they really were! I love the primitive and naive nature of the designs. It is amazing how young many of the accomplished stitchers were. I also am continually amazed at how well they stitched under less than ideal conditions - no Dazors anywhere and limited supplies.

Theresa: This same article made it sound like you started designing kind of on a whim. Had you taken any art or design classes previously, or designed things for yourself before you took your first batch to market?

Linda: Before designing, I had stitched extensively, but never felt the urge to design. Looking back, I can remember altering a few designs to fit my needs, but nothing major. It was rather on a whim - I was sick of my present job (several part time jobs) and wanted something more interesting. BK (before kids) I worked as an illustrator in the advertising field, specializing in fashion illustration. I found after I quit work, and drawing 8 hours a day, I really missed and needed to do something with my hands- something creative! I pursued lots of different craft areas, including cross stitch.

Theresa: What do you think attracts some stitchers to your designs? (What kind of person is a "Lizzie*Kate person?")

Linda: Good question - what attracts people. Mostly, from what stitchers share with me, it is a combination of things...quick and easy to complete, humorous and whimsical, appropriate for a certain person or occasion. My favorite comment, which I hear often, is that stitchers have a smile of their face while stitching my designs - that is a real compliment, I think!

Theresa: You also have consistently used Sampler Threads and, more recently, Weeks Dye Works in your designs. What attracts you to over-dyed fibers like these?

Linda: I love the over-dyes...once you try them, returning to regular fiber is difficult. They work well in my designs because of the simplicity of the designs. They add interest when filling a solid area, without the trouble of shading and changing thread a zillion times. They keep my eyes from getting bored!

Theresa: Most of your designs have a little phrase or saying. Where do you get ideas for these? Does the design come first, or the saying?

Linda: I love to do things with words. The job I had before L*K was creating and selling calligraphy. Thus, my interest in sayings! i found that people are really attracted to them. Some of my designs use the same saying that I found were successful in the calligraphy business., i.e. only dull women have immaculate homes, etc. I usually start with a theme in mind and search for an appropriate saying and take it from there. I get sayings from all sources...sometimes stitchers share them with me.

Theresa: I believe that every designer has moments of greatness -- when a design just comes together and is perfect. Which designs of yours do you feel are some of your best work, and which ones are your favorites (I guess they may not be the same ones!)

Linda: Favorite designs are not necessarily the best sellers I have found, but that is OK. I think the best sellers are those which have the broadest appeal and please the biggest group of stitchers. Some of my personal favorites are #001 Hats off the Halloween (the first and still a great seller and rather original I thought!), #009 Come with Thankful Hearts (also one of the first market designs). Actually I like the whole seasonal series which begins with Come with Thankful Hearts (Autumn), #054 All Things Bright & Beautiful (Summer) and #079 Plant Kindness*Reap Love (Spring). I guess I should finish the group with a winter number. I'm also happy with my recent Snippet Samplers - just photographed the spring and summer this week and my graphic designer is working on the files for the printer. I like the last 2 Snippet Santas - S08 Santa 1999 Merry Hoho and S21 Santa 2000 By Golly Be Jolly. I really enjoyed doing the My Secret Garden Limited Edition kit, which is now sold out. Also the Clara and Henry O'Hare kits have been great fun and I am working on an offspring for this spring!

Theresa: Do you design on the computer, on paper, or on fabric (while stitching)?

Linda: To design, I start with a pencil sketch - often about the size of a Post-It - and then go to the computer for graphing. When I first began , I had NO computer skills, so did my original designs on graph paper and got my kids to plant them in the computer. Once I made the switch, however, working on the computer is so much more efficient - less erasing and more deleting!!! Once I get the design "finished" i move to fabric and fiber. I always end up making lots more adjustment while stitching, thus requiring me to stitch my own models.

Theresa: I know your husband Alan is an integral part of your business. What does he think of your relatively new, but hugely successful, profession? How about your two teenage daughters?

Linda: Alan continues to help with my bookkeeping and any other computer related stuff - which is pretty big for me, since my skills are limited! He is really supportive and proud of my success. The growth of my business has changed the rhythm of our household substantially, and everyone has been cooperative. The kids are proud, but as typical teenagers, probably don't come right out and tell me that. They are appropriately interested when I run ideas by them, show them models in progress, and all that!

Theresa: The needlework industry has been under a lot of stress and change the last two years or so. What kinds of changes have you seen? What has prompted those changes, and where do you think the needlework industry is headed?

Linda: Tough question. i think I have seen some changes in my short 4 years in the business. Attendance at Charlotte has declined every year since I began, while attendance at Nashville has soared! The advent of on-line sites and shops has certainly been a big change. I don't think I know enough history to really offer any profound opinions or predictions. I think there is definitely a niche that we fill. This is a little hard to explain, but... in our high tech, fast-moving world, there is a need for creative projects, things we do with our hands. We need to learn and remember the value of things that are created slowly, as compared with our drive-through mentality. I think needlework can beautifully fill this need and help us to slow down and enjoy the stitches! Of course, in order to make this happen, we need to continue to educate a new generation of stitchers.

Theresa: You have probably heard some really neat stories about how your designs have been used or what stitchers have done with them. Can you think of any stories that stand out?

Linda: I can't think of any particular stories, but I receive bunches of them. This is truly one thing I never considered when beginning this business...that these designs could have real meaning for people! This has turned out to be really rewarding and heart-warming. Often I choose themes and sayings that have particular meaning and significance for me, and I'm glad that they resonate for others. Sometimes people share about how many times they have stitched a certain design, like stitching it 13 times for everyone in their office. That amazes me! Sometimes they wear out their charts!

© 2007 Theresa Venette. Articles on this site may be reproduced in needlework group newsletters or other handouts with permission of author and proper attribution. Send questions, comments and suggestions to: xspeddler@yahoo.com